Open Rugby From University A

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31375, 22 May 1967, Page 14

Open Rugby From University A

UNIVERSITY A 23: J. Sinclair, N. Keenan, G. Wallis, and R. C. Morteon tries. D. C. Leary three penalties and a conversion.

SYDENHAM U: K. Tucker and J. Demalmanche tries. A. Howard a penalty and a conversion.

Playing open, free-running Rugby, University A had little difficulty beating Sydenham after it had successfully countered an enterprising display in the second half at Lancaster Park South. University A always seemed to have plenty in reserve although the score was 6-6 at half-time and Sydenham came as close at 12-11 well into the second spell. University A threw the bail about at almost every opportunity and seemed reluctant to have play stop. It varied its play very well being in its element from secondary play in particular. Sydenham made good use of limited opportunities. It could not get enough bail from* lineouts in the first half and its backs lacked the speed of University A. Sydenham was under great pressure for much of the first spell and only quick thinking by the Sydenham full-back, A. E. Dunlop, in particular, and over-eagerness by University A kept the score down. University A secured a large share of ball from set play. G. Garlick, J. Sinclair, and G. Loveridge were very effective in the line-outs against forwards who were generally taller. The University forwards were allowed to break from line-outs either to harass the Sydenham half-back, T. Bradbury, or to begin passing rushes. The University backs were not allowed to run as freely in.the second half but when they did they were often more purposeful. R. C. Moreton . played a very heady game. He scored a brilliant solo try, when from just inside his own half he showed great speed and thrust to break between the Sydenham centre and left-wing. At the Sydenham twenty-five he found the way blocked but a little kick infield saw him win the race for the ball by inches. At full-back, Leary played his usual competent game. His catching and positional play were superb. The half-back, R. Sommervilie, was steady but he threw some dreadful passes to B. McLean in the first half.

P. Duncan and L. O’Reilly were lively in the loose and O’Reilly covered very well. The playing of A. Howard Sydenham at second five-eighths was not a success. His slowness stifled the backline and gave T. Tongatule at centre few opportunities. Dunlop’s play was little inferior to that of Leary. He

handled well and kicked with excellent length.

Some of the forward play became very willing in the second half. On occasions one or two of the Sydenham forwards were guilty of jumping recklessly into rucks. Referee: Mr B. E. Powell.